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Int J Sports Med 2010; 31(3): 186-191
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1243641
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Pedometer Accuracy in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

M. Jehn1 , A. Schmidt-Trucksäss1 , T. Schuster2 , H. Hanssen1 , M. Halle3 , F. Köhler4
  • 1Department of Sports Medicine, Institute of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Basel, Switzerland
  • 2Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, Technische Universität München, Germany
  • 3Department of Sports Medicine, Prevention and Rehabilitation, Technische Universität München, Germany
  • 4Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Charité University Berlin, Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision November 28, 2009

Publication Date:
17 February 2010 (online)

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Abstract

This study assesses the accuracy of the Omron HJ-720ITC pedometer at low walking intensities in patients with chronic heart failure. Step accuracy was assessed by visual observation on the treadmill and during free walking at 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 m/min, as well as during self paced walking using the 6 min walk test. A total of ninety-seven patients with heart failure (mean age: 61±13, NYHA I, N=30; NYHA II, N=32; NYHA III, N=35) participated in the study. At predefined walking speeds, a statistically significant % error in pedometer accuracy was evident at 60 m/min (p=0.039), and% error increased markedly below this threshold. Highest% error in pedometer accuracy was seen at 40 m/min (mean bias (% error): 28.3±9.0%; 95% CI: 21.8–34.7;p<0.001). During self paced walking (6MWT) the absolute% error in pedometer readings was largest in patients with strongest functional limitations and 6 MWT distances <400 m (mean bias (% error): 10.7±13.6%; CI 5.6–15.4, p<0.001). The Omron HJ-720ITC pedometer is accurate for monitoring activity in individuals with normal walking behaviour, but seems unsuitable for chronically ill patients characterised by slow walking gaits.

Key words

activity monitoring - accelerometer - 6-minute walk test - step detection

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Correspondence

Melissa JehnMSc 

University of Basel Health and Exercise Sciences

St. Jakob-Arena

4052 Basel

Switzerland

Phone: +41/613778745

Fax: +41/613778745

Email: jehn@sport.med.tum.de

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